Friday, January 13, 2017

RONIE KENIG: RAPID-FIRE FICTION

Ronie Kendig’s
overarching slogan, “Rapid-Fire Fiction,” exactly captures the essence of her
very impressive list of published books. Let’s learn more about this busy,
home-schooling mother of four.

SS: Ronie, I just finished reading Dead
Reckoning. Whew, what an exciting ride! You write in a much different genre
from mine (cozy mystery) and I find the difference fascinating. What genre(s)
have you chosen to write in, in your prolific career?

RK:
I’m
so glad you enjoyed Dead Reckoning! It was my debut release, which I've
recently updated and re-released with over 14k new words! Predominantly (13 of
15 novels), I write in suspense/thriller, but I've also unleashed my passion
recently for speculative fiction. ​

SS:
You say in your short bio that you created characters as friends to keep you
company when you were young. Did you write stories then, too? Can you tell us
about them? Do they bear a resemblance to your present work?

RK:
I laugh because my first stories were created with Barbies. ​My first stories bounced
between historical and contemporary, but they all had some element of danger
and adrenaline! However, I think writing paramilitary fiction over the last 10
years has really honed that skill.

SS:
In Dead Reckoning, you display an encyclopedic knowledge of the FBI,
CIA, NSA, the military, espionage in general, torture techniques, and even
scuba diving. How much is taken from experience and how much from research?

RK:
For the record, I've never been tortured. LOL I have no been there, done that experience
in these fields. My research has come through years of research and making
contacts with the knowledge that enables me to deepen the believability and
immerse my characters in the stories. ​

SS:
What are some of your favorite sources for research?

​RL:
People! I know that's probably not the answer you'd expected, but people who
have hands-on experience are the best sources for research. I've been blessed
to make many contacts over the years who can help, and if they can't, they know
someone who can.

SS:
As the mother of four who home-schools, you must be very well-organized! How do
you find time to write? Any tips for other mother/writers?

​RK:
I've homeschooled for eighteen years, and every year is a challenge because it
brings new highs and lows. The best tip I can give someone is this--you make
time for what's important to you. My kids and their schooling is top priority,
then writing. My life is insanely busy with two high schoolers and their
extra-curricular activities, as well as family tae kwon do and survival in this insane world. But I write. Because
it's important.

SS:
I find that my climax scenes actually take an emotional toll on me. Do you
experience the same thing with your very exciting stories?

RK:
Absolutely! In fact, I just told my editor that I was struggling because this
book I'm working on (the last in a trilogy) is about my character
battling/facing darkness...and it's weighting my emotional base.

SS:
As a Christian author, what are some ways you’ve found to incorporate your
faith into your work? Can you give us some examples?

RK:
It's very important to me that the faith of the characters (or non-faith) be
organic to the story and what's happening. I'm not going to sprinkle it in just
to have it, just as in my own life and daily living, I strive to be authentic
in my faith, living by example as Matthew 5:16 states:

In
the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good
deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

SS:
Can you tell us something about yourself that might surprise your readers?

RK:
I am a second-degree black belt in tae kwon do...yes, even at "my
age." LOL​

SS:
What is your latest work? Tell us about it.

RK:
My most recent release is CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE (Tox Files #1), release by
Bethany House Publishers. This is a new flavor for me in the thriller genre, combining
my Rapid-Fire Fiction style with Dan Brown elements of artifacts and Jason
Bourne type of action/intrigue. ​

SS: You have a very active presence on
the Internet. Please tell us where we can find you.

​RK:
I love to interact with my readers!! I am most active with Facebook, but can be
found at many social media sites: ​
​

18 comments:

I am so excited about Conspiracy of Silence and a new series by Ronie! I just love the suspense ride that I can count on with any of her books. I homeschool my children as well so I can appreciate the time and effort that she puts into her writing. Thanks so much for the interview and the giveaway!momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

For those who might not know, Ronie and I did some local book signings together before she moved "up north." Ronie, good to see you here. Looking forward to reading Conspiracy of Silence. (But since I'm the honorary "mister" in the group of "sisters," I'll have to buy a copy).

Ok so I'm reluctant to admit I haven't ~YET~ read any books by Ronie, though I DO have a copy of "Falcon" sitting on my shelf (yet-to-be-read). I'd love to add Conspiracy of Silence to it so it doesn't feel so lonely waiting for me to slough through my trillions of books...lol!!

Great interview, Ellen! This sounds like such an interesting book. I can't wait to read it! By the way, I home-schooled my daughter for several years! It does have it's challenges But , I wouldn't have wanted to change it for anything.

Ronie, you have been on my to read list for a while. Guess I'd better get cracking!I homeschooled for many years-- there are 19 years between oldest and youngest. Youngest is now25! They are all doing well. I would love to win your book--- paulamarys49AT gmailDOT com.. keep up the good work. Blessings